Shortnose
boxfish
Rhynchostracion
nasus
Family Ostraciidae
updated
Sep 2020
Where
seen? This
strange boxy fish is sometimes seen on some of our shores. It is also called the Small nosed boxfish. It was previously
called Ostracion nasus.
Features: To 30cm, those seen about 10cm long. Body cubical
boxy, which is enclosed in a protective hard shell (carapace) made up of
bony plates with gaps for the various tiny fins, the tail and the
mouth. No horns. A small bump on the 'nose' above the
upper lip and a ridge along the middle of the back. Body pattern of hexagons with brown spots. |
Cyrene Reef, Jun 09 |
Cyrene Reef, Jun 09
|
| Toxic box: It is said
to be toxic. It is probably one of the species that secretes
a powerful toxin on the skin (called ostracitoxin). This toxin
is poisonous to other fishes and can even kill the boxfish itself
if it is confined in an aquarium. Thus they are not recommended
for aquariums. |
| Shortnose
boxfishes on Singapore shores |
| Other sightings on Singapore shores |
Beting Bronok, Jun 16
Photo shared by Jianlin Liu on facebook. |
Beting Bronok, Jul 19
Photo shared by Jianlin Liu on facebook. |
Pulau Sekudu, Jun 14 |
Pulau Sekudu, Jun 14
Photo shared by Marcus Ng on facebook. |
Changi Fairy Point, Jul 22
Photo shared by Kelvin Yong on facebook. |
|
Links
References
- Tan Heok Hui
. 30 November 2016. Sexual dimorphism in shortnose boxfish sold for food. Singapore Biodiversity Records 2016: 169-170.
- Allen, Gerry,
2000. Marine
Fishes of South-East Asia: A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers.
Periplus Editions. 292 pp.
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